Things That Made Me Happy in November

Here is what made me happy this month:

• Going to a Dia De Los Muertos event at the library and making painted skull rocks, coloring in a skull drawing, and watching Mexican dancers
• Going to a Christmas Bazaar at a church, with a friend
• Seeing hanging out with, and talking to a friend, whom I haven't seen in several years
• A co-worker telling me that it makes her happy when I talk with her (I am usually quiet, and it is hard me to talk, but when I get to know people, I talk more often)
• Celebrating Thanksgiving with family
• Making pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving
• Getting a Thanksgiving turkey gingerbread kit (yes, there is such a thing!!), and a few milk chocolate advent calendars from Trader Joe's
• Putting together and decorating the turkey gingerbread kit
• A woman on my library home delivery route giving me and the driver chocolate for Christmas (this was the day after Thanksgiving)

This was a pretty good month, and I am really looking forward to next month!

Grateful

Since it is now November, I have decided to make a list of things that I am thankful/grateful for.

In no particular order, here is what I am grateful for this year:

1. My friends, old and new
2. My family
3. Joni and Friends
4. My education
5. My job and co-workers
6. Clothes
7. My favorite foods
8. Knitting
9. Crocheting
10. Long talks with friends
11. My favorite music
12. Baking
13. Photography
14. Writing
15. Hot chocolate
16. My favorite movies
17. Thrift stores
18. Bullet journaling (and journaling in general)
19. The colors of the trees in the Fall
20. Alone time
21. Text messages
22. Hair dryers
23. Cameras/photography
24. Composition notebooks
25. Books
26. My favorite TV shows
27. Animals
28. Horseback riding
29. Coloring books
30. Pinterest
31. Traveling
32. My home
33. Clean water
34. Warm showers
35. Girl Scouts
36. Home cooked meals
37. Chocolate
38. The memories I have made this year
39. Nature
40. Having my own bedroom that I can retreat to every day/night
41. Having another day to live

What are you thankful for? To those who celebrated, I hope everyone had a happy Thanksgiving!!

My Biggest Dreams in Life

I have many things I would love to be able to do in life, but some of my dreams are bigger than others, and I hope I get to be able to do them sooner than others.

In no particular order, here are my biggest dreams:

Getting my baking and pastry degree
I have my culinary certificate, and am now aiming for my baking and pastry degree, as this is one of my biggest passions.

Live on my own
I have never lived on my own, and I have been at that stage for quite some time. But, things have prevented me from being able to do that. It would be nice to be able to live independently, and to be able to support myself without having to necessarily rely on others.

Getting married
I have always wanted to get married, and start a family of my own. I am more than ready for this to happen, and I hope it happens soon.

Having kids
I have always wanted to have kids, and would love to have my own one day. I want to have at least one boy and one girl, but I do want to have two boys, and two girls.

Traveling to new places
I love traveling, and have traveled a lot, but it was mainly to the same few places. I want to be able to travel to lots more places in the future, especially to other countries, as I have never been outside of the U.S. before.

Writing and publishing at least one book
I am very shy and introverted, so writing is one of my biggest passions. It is probably my favorite way to express myself, as it gives me a place to put down what's on my mind. I have been wanting to write and publish a book for years, but I just haven't been inspired yet.

Becoming fluent in Spanish, Italian, and Sign Language
I have a hard time with languages, but I would love to at least be fluent in these three, as I love foreign languages. I would also love to be able to connect with more people, to be able to have conversations with more people.

Getting my photography degree
Another passion of mine is photography. I love capturing moments, and having those moments forever.

Opening up my own bakery, or at least working at a bakery
I have a dream of opening up my own bakery (with mainly sweets), but I am just as happy to just work at one.

Get better at decorating cakes and cookies
I am not that good at cake decorating, but I think that is because of my lack of practice. I want to be able to feel more comfortable in my decorating skills, and not feel like it's no good.

Participate in Wheels for the World
Wheels for the World is a Joni and Friends event, that collects and gives out wheelchairs to those who are in need of one. I have met people through another Joni and Friends event, the family retreats, that have gone on a Wheels for the World trip, and it looks so awesome!!

Become more comfortable speaking
Since I am so shy, I hate speaking, unless I am around friends or people I feel comfortable talking with. I want to feel more comfortable and at ease talking, and not feeling awkward, or feeling like I am being judged.

Go to concerts of my favorite musical artists
I have never been to the concert of a big musician before, and would love to be able to go to one (or more) someday.

Go to a Broadway play
I have never been to a Broadway play, and would love to go to one (or more!).

Go to a Globetrotters game
Yes, I know they are just a "for fun" team, but I would love to see them in person.

Well, those are my biggest dreams. I hope they come true, and soon. What are your big dreams?

YouTube Channel Favorite: 2 in a Zoo

I have been following 2 in a Zoo for almost a year now (it might even be a year now), and I just love this family!

2 in a Zoo is comprised of parents Mike and Melanie Chandler, and children Timmy, Caleb, Logan, Cadie, and Daisy (who was born early, but is doing good).

They document everyday life, their faith, and everything in between, and had started (I believe) with the adoption of their daughter Cadie (short for Cadence), from India.

I love how real they are; that they aren't afraid to show their emotions, and to talk about the hard things sometimes. It makes them more relatable, more human.

Mike and Melanie take the time to nurture their kids, to guide them through life, to have fun, and to just love. They show their children love and patience, and understanding, and I love that about them.

I came across their channel by chance, when I saw the video of Mike and Cadie talking. He was asking Cadie questions, and she was trying her best to answer them. She didn't know much English then, as it was less than a year (I think) since she had been adopted and came home. Mike was so patient with her, and I loved that.

Things That Made Me Happy in October

Here is what made me happy this month:

• Seeing Joker in theaters with one of my brothers
• Getting a pumpkin for Halloween
• Getting, and putting together, a Halloween gingerbread house kit
• A little girl (probably around 18 months or so) saying hi to me, while I was shelving items at work
• Buying baked goods from a local kid, for his gymnastics team
• Handing out candy on Halloween
• Hearing a little girl singing the If You're Happy and You Know It song, with the clapping motions to go along with it

Again, not much happened this month. I needed (and prefer) the slower pace that these last couple of months have brought (even though I enjoyed the summer months, and all that came with them).

I can't believe it's already the holiday season now!! Where has the time gone?!

YouTube Channel Favorite: Special Books by Special Kids (SBSK)

I have been following Special Books by Special Kids (SBSK) for at least a year, and I absolutely love what Chris is doing!

On his channel, he interviews people from around the country (and even other parts of the world), who have disabilities, or are going through something that makes them different.

Chris is very patient, caring, funny, and nice to all he interviews, and he even includes family members of the people he interviews, and talks to them as well.

He interects with those in each video, and talks to them, on their level, and he thanks them for their time with him.

I love how he is so compassionate with everyone he meets, and I wish other people were more like him!!

For several months now, YouTube has shut down the comments to his videos, saying that "people can use the comments section of his channel, to prey on minors."

I can understand that to a point, but there are so many more good, caring people than bad, who want to reach out to the people who Chris has on his channel. It makes things so much more difficult than it has to be.

So if you are able, please reach out to YouTube in some way, to ask them to reinstate the comments section of Chris's channel, as the comments are so beneficial to Chris, and the people he interviews.

The World Needs More Love Letters

A few years back, I stumbled across an organization called The World Needs More Love Letters, and instantly fell in love with it.

I wrote letters to several people who were having a hard time, thru this program, but forgot about it for quite some time now, until I was searching for ideas for random acts of kindness, and rediscovered More Love Letters.

Basically, someone can write in to them, saying that they, or someone they know, are going through a hard time, and would like letters of encouragement.

Their story and address is then posted on the website, and people can choose to write them a letter, to help them get thru whatever it is they are going thru.

I really like this idea, and plan on getting back into writing letters to people, to encourage and help them out.

If you are able, please try and write at least one letter to someone. It may make all the difference in that person's life.

My 30-Something Bucket List

• Become a better cake decorator
• Take better photographs
• Learn to sew
• Write and publish a book
• Read more often
• Go to a concert of one of my favorite artists
• Save more money
• Exercise more often
• Decorate a cake with fondant
• Make new friends
• Travel to at least one state I have never been to
• Become more fluent in Spanish
• Take a road trip with friends
• Relearn to play the violin
• Become fluent in Sign Language
• Become fluent in Italian
• Be in a loving, healthy relationship with a significant other
• Get married
• Start a family
• Visit another country
• Make bread from scratch
• Get my driver's license
• See Hamilton
• Grow out my hair really long
• Go indoor skydiving
• Get a tattoo in memory of my mom
• Spend the day in the city
• Get my passport
• Buy myself a laptop
• Buy myself a DSLR
• Take better care of my skin
• Take better care of my hair
• Step out of my comfort zone more often
• Float in a sensory deprivation tank
• Get a massage
• Knit or crochet one thing a month
• Create my own vision board/notebook
• Reconnect with my old friends
• Visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
• Visit Disney Land
• Visit Disney World
• Swim with dolphins
• Go whale watching
• Go horseback riding again
• Go ziplining
• Learn to play the piano
• Go paintballing
• Dye my hair purple
• Learn to play the ukulele
• Get my nose pierced
• Take self defense classes
• Participate in a color run
• Wear jewelry more often
• Learn to apply my makeup
• Learn to French braid
• Learn to do fishtail braiding
• Learn to do milkmaid braiding
• Spend Christmas and/or New Year's in a different city
• Write a heartfelt letter to my dad
• Learn to love myself
• Go white water rafting
• Have a water balloon fight
• Visit at least 3 states I have never been to
• Make pasta from scratch
• Learn to tie a tie
• Try skateboarding
• Go tubing
• Go to Great America again
• Go to a drive-in movie
• Participate in an Escape Room
• Go to a water park with friends
• Be a tourist in my own city
• Host a game night
• Host a craft night
• Do a photoshoot with friends
• Learn to surf (or try to)
• Try snowboarding
• Learn to use chopsticks
• Write a song
• Have a water gun fun
• Have a silly string fight
• Write in a journal again
• Paint-doodle on a white pair of shoes
• Have my own YouTube channel
• Pack and send out as many shoebox gifts as I can for Operation Christmas Child
• Celebrate my birthday in a new location
• Go whale watching
• Take an archery lesson
• Write 5 letters to people who have impacted my life, and mail them
• Get a henna tattoo
• Play lazer tag

Yes, this is a long list.

No, I don't expect to accomplish everything.

But, I want to do as many of these as I can.

People I Would Love to Meet Someday

I have never met anyone famous, and would love to meet at least one well-known person in my life.

In no particular order, here are the people I would love to meet someday:

• Maggie Smith
• Robbie Coltrane
• Francesca Battistelli
• Andrea Bocelli
• Josh Groban
• Garth Brooks
• Barack Obama and his family
• Joni Eareckson Tada
• Buddy Valastro
• J.K. Rowling
• Julie Andrews
• Ralph Fiennes
• Gary Oldman
• Tom Hanks
• Dolly Parton
• Camille and Kennerly Kitt (The Harp Twins)
• Morgan Freeman
• Jorge Garcia
• Julie Walters
• Warwick Davis
• Kenneth Branagh
• Jason Isaacs
• David Thewlis
• Emma Thompson
• David Tennant
• Brendan Gleeson
• Imelda Staunton
• Jim Carter (Mr. Carson in Downton Abbey)
• Helena Bonham Carter
• Jim Broadbent
• Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson
• Will Smith
• Johnny Depp
• Chrissy Metz
• Keala Settle
• Chris Hemsworth
• Liam Hemsworth
• Robert Downey Jr.
• Jim Carrey
• Emma Watson
• Daniel Radcliffe
• Rupert Grint
• Hugh Jackman
• Ian McKellen
• Samuel L. Jackson
• Denzel Washington
• Sigourney Weaver
• Rowan Atkinson
• Chrissy Metz
• Gaelynn Lea

Ideas for Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Gifts

Several years ago, I found out about Operation Christmas Child, which is organized by Samaritan's Purse.

I was only able to make two shoebox gifts, on for a boy and one for a girl, a few years ago, and have been wanting to make more ever since.

Operation Christmas Child is a ministry that collects gifts for children in need, all over the world.

The boxes are divided into 3 age groups for boys, and 3 for girls: 2-4, 5-9, and 10-14. The group that gets the least amount of gifts are boys ages 10-14, so if you are able, please consider packing shoeboxes for that group.

You can either use a standard shoe box that you get from shoe stores, or there is an option on the Operation Christmas Child website where you can purchase boxes/containers to use.

You can also order free materials here, to learn more about what they do.

Each year, there is a collection week throughout the country (this year, it is November 18-25), but you can also mail your boxes to their offices (you can go here for more information).

Here are some ideas of what you can put in the shoebox presents:

Girls

• Skirts
• Embroidery floss
• Beads
• Compact non-breakable mirror
• Notebooks
• Pencils
• Pens
• Markers
• Crayons
• Colored pencils
• Reusable menstrual pads (for older girls)
• Solar calculators
• Hair ties
• Water bottles
• Dolls
• Stuffed animal toys
• Watches
• Puzzles
• Cups
• Bowls
• Utensils
• Purses
• Backpacks
• Non-liquid lip gloss/balm
• Bouncy balls
• Frisbees
• Sewing kits
• Toothbrushes
• Bar soap
• Washcloths
• Shirts
• Jackets/coats
• Brush or comb
• Pencil sharpeners
• Nail clippers/files
• Deodorant (for older girls)
• Jump ropes
• Flashlights
• Batteries
• Flip flops
• Loofahs
• Underwear
• Play Dough
• Hats
• Gloves
• Sunglasses
• Scarves
• Picture books
• Coloring books
• Erasers
• Stickers
• Headbands
• Band aids
• Recorder (the musical instrument)
• Barrettes
• Bracelets
• Glue sticks (no liquid glue)
• Pencil cases/pouches
• Blocks
• Cards (go fish, etc.)
• Small kites
• Play jewelry
• Scissors
• Rulers
• Mini chalkboards and chalk
• Pajamas
• Sports bras (for older girls)
• Matching games
• Plastic reusable dishes

Boys

• Shirts
• Shorts
• Underwear
• Deodorant (for older boys)
• Notebooks
• Pens
• Pencils
• Colored pencils
• Markers
• Crayons
• Pencil sharpeners
• Erasers
• Stickers
• Binoculars
• Solar calculators
• Brush or comb
• Water bottles
• Toothbrushes
• Bouncy balls
• Sport balls
• Stuffed animal toys
• Toy cars
• Bar soap
• Washcloths
• Socks
• Play Dough
• Flashlights
• Batteries
• Flip flops
• Hats
• Sunglasses
• Gloves
• Scarves
• Jump ropes
• Jacket/coat
• Picture books
• Coloring books
• Band aids
• Hacky sacks
• Recorder
• Harmonica
• Glue sticks (no liquid glue)
• Pencil cases/pouches
• Blocks
• Cards (go fish, etc.)
• Small kites
• Scissors
• Rulers
• Mini chalkboards and chalk
• Pajamas
• Matching games
• Plastic reusable dishes

DO NOT INCLUDE:

• Toothpaste
• Liquids
• Things that melt (like chocolate, etc.)
• War related items
• Weapons or blades
• Drink mixes
• Vitamins
• Aerosol cans
• Breakable items
• Candy
• Anything camoflauge
• No seeds or plants
• No used or damaged items
• No medicine
• No matches or lighters
• No sharp items

Please consider making shoebox presents for kids in need, as this presents may be the only time they may ever get anything new all year. It is well worth the time, money, and effort spent putting these together!